The Blue Cross is supporting a fundraising appeal to bring Sandbag the 'hero' dog who served with our troops to Britain.

After MailOnline drew attention to the mascot's plight, the animal charity has decided to raise the necessary funds needed to transport Sandbag and Hesco, a cat who also bonded with soldiers in Iraq, back to the UK.

Judging by the public response to the loveable labrador's situation, securing the funds necessary to arrange for the trip and pay the quarantine costs should be a formality.

The Government yesterday rejected a 6,000-strong petition to bring the pair back to live with the soldiers who adopted them as camp mascots two years ago. 

Steve Goody, Blue Cross director of companion animal welfare said: “We want to help bring Sandbag and Hesco back to the UK where they will have a secure future as cherished pets.

'They have obviously developed a close bond with our soldiers and played an important role during their time in Iraq so it is only right that they should be able to stay together.'

The Blue Cross responded to a call from Emma Simpson of associated charity, the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP), to help raise the funds needed.

Sandbag had been living with military personnel at their base in Um Qasa, near Basra, and was credited with bringing them good luck on patrols. He is rumoured to have survived being shot five times.

However, when the withdrawal of forces was announced, there were fears Sandbag would be put down by the Iraqis or killed by local dogs.

More than 6,000 people signed a petition on the Number 10 website calling for the dog to be given refuge in the UK. Sandbag was also given his own Facebook page.

But his supporters' hopes were finally dashed today when the Government confirmed that Sandbag and his fellow mascot, Hesco the cat, would be staying put.

Survivor: Sandbag was rumoured to have been shot five times






'The base in Um Qasa where Sandbag and Hesco were living has now been handed over to American forces,' the Downing Street response said.

'Our U.S. colleagues have assured us that both Sandbag and Hesco will be well cared for. Both are currently fit and healthy.

'As they had lived on the base since birth, British forces felt that staying there would be best for Sandbag and Hesco.

'Commanders on the grounds always take decisions on the future of mascot animals on a case-by-case basis.

'The Government supports the decision taken in this case.'

Gordon Brown visited the Um Qasa base last December, when he announced that troops were pulling out.

However, the Prime Minister - not known as a dog-lover - is not believed to have met the mascots.

Sandbag got his name for his golden coat and because he protects the men of B Squadron of the Queen's Royal Hussars from stray dogs around their base at the southern port of Umm Qasr.

A true military dog, he loves helicopters and often follows the troops out on patrol.

He also bears scars from numerous scraps with other dogs and - according to base legend - several bullet wounds.

Soldier's best friend: Captain Guy Myram plays with Sandbag at the military base. Troops pleaded with Downing Street for the dog to be repatriated to the UK

Captain Guy Myram, the squadron's second in command, said Sandbag didn't warm to the Americans as much because they wore different uniforms.

 

Another soldier said: 'He's very loyal to the troops - if you get mobbed by other dogs, he will literally fight every single one of them.

'He's a Tyson among the pups.'

Sandbag was born on the forward operating base at North Port in Umm Qasr about two years ago and quickly endeared himself to the British troops stationed there.

The soldiers have had him vaccinated, given him a collar, and even know to let him into the camp when he barks outside the front gate.

Hesco the cat is named after the sand-filled blast walls on top of which the feline likes to sleep.

• A telephone line is available to make a donation towards the appeal to bring Sandbag and Hesco to the UK: 0800 4081831.
• Donations can also be made on the web at www.bluecross.org.uk.  
• Any surplus funds raised will be used to support the welfare plight of dogs and cats cared for by the Blue Cross. 

Sandbag is not alone...

The Blue Cross has a long history of reuniting troops with their beloved mascots. The charity's Charlton Kennels have released these pictures of soldiers from the First and Second World Wars being reunited with dogs they adopted while serving overseas.